The 101 on Maintaining Your Smile After Braces

Braces are orthodontic solutions designed to keep your teeth functioning in mint condition after braces! Kathryn Watson has written about the basics of retainer wear and maintenance. In this article, Woodlawn Orthodontics adds their comments and shares a few tips to keep your smile radiant after braces. (Source: Healthline, Wearing Retainers After Braces: What to Know, by Kathryn Watson, medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS, March 20, 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health/retainers-after-braces ).

How to maintain your smile after braces

Kathryn Watson explains that failing to adhere to your orthodontist’s prescribed retainer-wearing routine can cause your teeth to revert to their previous position, a phenomenon referred to as relapsing. Neglecting to wear your retainer may negate the orthodontic solutions you had worked on.

Woodlawn Orthodontics emphasizes, “Maintaining a great smile after wearing braces involves following a few key steps. This includes wearing your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist, practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard and sticky food items, and scheduling regular dental checkups.”

Types of retainers

Kathryn Watson guides that there are three types of retainers – clear moulded plastic retainers, Hawley retainers, and bonded retainers. Based on your orthodontic treatments, your orthodontist will be able to suggest which retainer works best for you.

Woodlawn Orthodontics elaborates, “The three main types of retainers are:

Hawley retainers: these are retainers made of a combination of metal wires and acrylic. They are removable. The orthodontist can adjust them to ensure proper fit as your teeth shift over time.

Clear retainers are clear plastic retainers that fit snugly over your teeth and are practically invisible. They are also removable and easy to clean.

Fixed retainers: these retainers are also known as bonded or lingual retainers. They are permanently attached to the back of your teeth using a unique dental adhesive. They are not removable, but they are very effective in maintaining the position of your teeth.

Your orthodontist will advise on the type of retainer that is best for your individual needs based on factors including the position of your teeth and the extent of your orthodontic solutions.”

Keeping retainers clean

Kathryn Watson suggests that the best way to keep a bonded retainer clean is by thoroughly flossing every day. “Additionally, ensure that you position your toothbrush both horizontally and vertically to eliminate any accumulation of plaque or food particles around your bonded retainer,” Woodlawn Orthodontics adds.

For removable retainers, Kathryn Watson advises keeping it soaked in between each use. It is also recommended to utilize a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste to thoroughly clean all areas of your retainer at least once daily.

Woodlawn Orthodontics explains, “If food particles get stuck in your retainer, use a fresh cotton swab moistened with water to clean it. Avoid boiling the retainer in water or washing it in the dishwasher.”

Kathryn Watson summarizes that to maintain the results of your braces, it is crucial to wear a retainer as directed by your orthodontist. The instructions for retainer use will differ based on your orthodontic treatments. Some individuals need to wear it for four months throughout the day, and others for a year.

Woodlawn Orthodontics concludes, “Once your braces are removed, most orthodontists will advise you to wear a retainer every night for an indefinite period. Although committing to wearing a retainer for life may seem daunting, it is necessary to safeguard the investment you made in orthodontic treatments.”